Would I had been, fair Ines, Who rode so gaily by thy side, And whisper'd thee so near! Were there no bonny dames at home, Or no true lovers here, That he should cross the seas to win The dearest of the dear? I saw thee, lovely Ines, It would have been a beauteous dream,— Alas, alas! fair Ines, She went away with song, With Music waiting on her steps, But some were sad, and felt no mirth, In sounds that sang Farewell, farewell, To her you've loved so long. Farewell, farewell, fair Ines! So fair a lady on its deck, Nor danced so light before, Alas for pleasure on the sea, And sorrow on the shore! The smile that bless'd one lover's heart Has broken many more! Loop up her tresses Who was her father? Had she a brother? Or was there a dearer one Alas! for the rarity O! it was pitiful! Sisterly, brotherly, Fatherly, motherly Feelings had changed: Where the lamps quiver With many a light From window and casement, From garret to basement, She stood, with amazement, Houseless by night. The bleak wind of March Made her tremble and shiver; But not the dark arch, Or the black flowing river: Mad from life's history, In she plunged boldly, Lave in it, drink of it, Take her up tenderly, Ere her limbs frigidly Decently, kindly, Smooth and compose them; And her eyes, close them, Dreadfully staring Perishing gloomily, Spurr'd by contumely, Cold inhumanity, Burning insanity, Into her rest. -Cross her hands humbly As if praying dumbly, Over her breast! Owning her weakness, Her evil behaviour, And leaving, with meekness, Her sins to her Saviour. 564 THE DEATH BED WE watch'd her breathing thro' the night, As in her breast the wave of life But when the morn came dim and sad 565 PAST AND PRESENT I REMEMBER, I remember The house where I was born, He never came a wink too soon I remember, I remember |